With December around the corner and festive decorations beginning to appear in cities around the world, many people living in — or planning to visit — Saudi Arabia ask the same question: Is Christmas a Public Holiday in Saudi Arabia?
Whether you’re a Christian resident, an expat, a traveler, or someone curious about local culture, here’s the straightforward answer.
The Short Answer: No — Christmas Is Not a Public Holiday in Saudi Arabia
In the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA), December 25 (Christmas Day) is not recognised as an official public holiday. Government offices, schools, banks, and most workplaces operate on their normal schedules on this date.
Unlike many Western countries — or even some Middle Eastern nations like Jordan and Lebanon, where Christmas Day is a public holiday — Saudi Arabia does not have an official national holiday for Christmas.
Why Isn’t Christmas a Public Holiday in Saudi Arabia?
- Different Cultural and Religious Framework
Saudi Arabia is a Muslim-majority country where the state’s official religion is Islam. National public holidays are generally tied to Islamic religious occasions (such as Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha) and national celebrations (like Saudi National Day and Founding Day).
Because Christmas is a Christian holiday, it is not part of the official holiday calendar recognised by the Saudi government for the general population.
- Legal and Social Norms
For many years, public celebrations of Christmas — including decorations, parties and festive displays — were restricted or discouraged in Saudi Arabia. Some religious authorities regarded public Christmas celebrations as inconsistent with local tradition and religious norms.
Although attitudes have shifted in some parts of society — with more openness in private or commercial spaces — Christmas itself remains off the official calendar, and workplaces do not close for this day.
Official Public Holidays in Saudi Arabia
In contrast to Christmas, Saudi Arabia’s public holiday list is centred around Saudi national occasions and Islamic festivals. Here are some key official holidays you might expect to get off:
Religious Holidays (Based on the Islamic Calendar)
- Eid al-Fitr: Marks the end of Ramadan.
- Arafat Day & Eid al-Adha: The Feast of Sacrifice and its associated holidays.
- Islamic New Year (in some calendars).
National Holidays
- Saudi Founding Day — February 22: Celebrates the founding of the first Saudi state.
- Saudi National Day — September 23: Celebrates the unification of Saudi Arabia.
- Saudi Flag Day — March 11: Officially observed to honour the national flag (though sometimes counted as non-working in many workplaces).
These are the dates Saudi residents and workers most commonly get time off.
What Christmas Means for Expats and Residents
So if December 25 isn’t a holiday at the national level, what happens for people who do celebrate Christmas in Saudi Arabia?
- You Can Celebrate Privately
Many expats and Christian communities in Saudi Arabia do observe Christmas with church services, family gatherings and private celebrations. These activities are usually organised in private homes or church venues (for recognised communities).
- Some Private Sector Flexibility
In multinational companies, international schools, or workplaces with diverse staff, some employers may allow flexible leave, half-days or informal time off around Christmas. But this is a company policy decision, not a national legal requirement.
- Commercial Decorations and Events
In recent years, major hotels, international restaurants, cafés and shopping destinations in cities like Riyadh, Jeddah and Al Khobar have begun offering festive décor and seasonal menus for December. This reflects a degree of cultural openness and recognition of expat communities — even if the day itself isn’t a public holiday.
What Days Do Employers Typically Close?
Here’s a practical breakdown of holiday closures you can expect in Saudi Arabia:
Type of Holiday Typical Status
- Eid al-Fitr (Ramadan end) Official public holiday (several days)
- Eid al-Adha Official public holiday (multi-day)
- Saudi National Day Public holiday (September 23)
- Founding Day Public holiday (February 22)
- Christmas Day (Dec 25) Not a public holiday
So, Do You Get the Day Off on Christmas in Saudi Arabia?
Officially, no — Christmas Day is not a public holiday in Saudi Arabia. Government offices, schools, and most businesses remain open. Requests for personal time off around Christmas depend on your employer, the sector you work in, and sometimes your company’s internal policies.
If you’re hoping for a day off to celebrate or relax, it’s best to plan ahead and request leave from work rather than assuming it will be automatically observed.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is Christmas a public holiday in Saudi Arabia?
No. December 25 is not an official public holiday.
Do government offices close on Christmas Day?
No. Government offices operate as usual.
Can expats take Christmas off work?
Only if approved by their employer or taken as annual leave.
Are Christmas celebrations allowed in Saudi Arabia?
Yes, in private settings and recognised venues.
Do schools close for Christmas?
No. Schools follow the Saudi academic calendar.
Is Christmas recognised by Saudi law?
No. It is not part of the official holiday system.
